DuPont survey reveals China’s confidence

A new survey conducted by leading nonwovens player DuPont reveals a growing understanding of "green" products among urban Chinese consumers. Seventy per cent of those questioned expressed confidence in the environmental claims of green products.

The findings reflect the potential for green products in the world’s largest consumer market and how this demand could help China meet its sustainability targets.
In the DuPont China Green Living Survey: Consumer Awareness and Adoption of Biobased Products, the company found that a majority of Chinese consumers are likely to purchase apparel, personal care, hygiene and household products made from biobased ingredients that offer environmental benefits. These “green” products use ingredients that are composed of biological or renewable agricultural materials, rather than synthetics, and are biodegradable. Since biobased ingredients, such as enzymes, often replace petroleum-based ingredients, they help reduce reliance on non-renewable resources.

While just 4 in 10 surveyed said they are very or somewhat familiar with green products, most urban Chinese consumers agree on the factors that make a product “green” and accept that biobased products meet the criteria. The findings also noted that higher-income Chinese consumers were more familiar with and receptive to green products as well as biobased products.

Chinese consumers express greater confidence that green products are better for the environment than North American consumers surveyed last year. When asked about their confidence that green products are better for the environment, 70 per cent of Chinese consumers surveyed said they were either very or somewhat confident. A similar survey of North American consumers released in 2011, showed that 65 per cent of Canadians and 60 per cent of Americans were confident that green products are better for the environment.